CHAPTER 77: A SENSE OF RELIEF

{Elira}

~**^**~

By the time we returned to the dorm and freshened up, my legs ached from the scavenger hunt, but my mind buzzed with everything we’d seen and done.

After trying to tie my hair together and succeeding, I slipped into my fresh clothes and glanced at the time—just past noon.

"Let’s head out before the lunch queue becomes a parade," Cambria said, already lacing her boots.

We all agreed, and within minutes, the five of us were out of the room and walking toward the cafeteria.

"Finally," Nari sighed beside me, stretching her arms dramatically. "The rest of the day is ours. No classes, no workshops, no surprise chants about dorm spirit. I feel free."

"Wasn’t the hunt part of your definition of fun?" Juniper asked dryly.

"Yes," Nari grinned, "but freedom after fun tastes even better."

We reached the cafeteria just as the noise inside reached peak chaos. Students had flooded in from all directions.

The scent of tomato stew, grilled vegetables, and what smelled like roasted chicken thighs hung heavy in the air.

I grabbed a tray and followed my roommates in line.

Today’s options were varied—rice dishes, yam porridge, crispy baked falafel, grilled plantains, fruit salad, Sushi bowl and egg salad sandwich.

I served myself some jollof rice, a portion of chicken, sautéed spinach, and crispy baked falafel.

The moment we sat down with our trays, I realized how empty my stomach was. One bite in, and I felt my body exhale in gratitude.

"Hey, Elira," Cambria said between forkfuls, "you might want to head to the Student Council office earlier rather than later."

I paused mid-chew. "Oh... right."

She gave me a gentle look. "You don’t want to miss your chance to report about Sunday. They close by 2 PM today."

My brows rose. "That early?"

Cambria nodded, sipping from her juice box. "They like their weekends quiet. Less people to impress."

"I will go immediately after lunch then," I said, setting down my cutlery for a moment.

Cambria tilted her head slightly. "Want me to come with you?"

I hesitated. I really did. I wasn’t afraid of the office itself—but of the people I might meet there. Or one person in particular.

Regina.

The last thing I wanted was to walk straight into her again and give her another chance to undermine me—especially in her territory.

I was about to say yes when Nari, unbothered and loud as usual, jumped in from across the table.

"Pfft. Elira, you don’t need backup. You might not even meet any of the members."

Juniper smirked. "She’s not wrong. You probably won’t meet any of them. Most of the weekends, it’s just the assistant girl who’s always chewing gum like her life depends on it."

"Oh... really?" I blinked, processing that.

"Really," Nari said, pointing a fork at me. "Trust me, they are not always lounging around their velvet furniture twirling golden pens. They’ve got something more important to do."

A slow breath of relief escaped me. "Alright then. I will go alone."

Cambria nodded, not offended at all. "Okay. But if you’re not back after an hour, I will come find you."

I smiled at her. That was Cambria—gentle, fierce, and always watching.

I deeply appreciated her love and protection.

---

After lunch, I made my way toward the administrative wing of the campus. It was quieter here—less foot traffic, more polished marble and curated indoor plants.

The Student Council Office was tucked beside the Hall of Records, its entrance guarded by elegant silver doors embossed with the academy crest—a snarling wolf wreathed in thorns and stars.

I stopped in front of it and smoothed my hands down my skirt, heart skipping once or twice. I wasn’t sure why I felt nervous again.

Maybe it was the weight of the letter still folded inside my pocket. Or perhaps it was the quiet hum of power surrounding the place.

I raised my hand and knocked on the door.

After a second, a muffled voice called, "Come in!"

The door opened with a whisper.

The office inside was beautiful in a cold sort of way—deep mahogany desks, floating shelves, enchanted lighting fixtures that responded to motion.

The space smelled faintly of leather and citrus polish.

Behind a curved desk sat a girl with heavy-lidded eyes and glossy lips, smacking bubblegum as she flipped through a file. Her auburn hair was pinned up in a flawless bun.

"Hi," I said, stepping closer. "I’m Elira Shaw. I received a letter inviting me here by noon tomorrow. I came to report that I won’t be able to make it."

Her gum popped.

"Noon tomorrow?" she echoed, flipping open a leather-bound schedule book. "Student Council summons... Shaw... Yep. Got it."

She scribbled something in red ink. "Reason for unavailability?"

"I... have a family appointment," I said quietly.

Another loud snap of gum followed before she replied. "Alright. It’s noted."

I shifted, unsure if that was all. I was really afraid to make any mistake that would come back to bite me.

The last thing I wanted was to have the Student Council after me.

The girl looked up, raising a curious brow. "Anything else?"

I shook my head. "No, that’s all. Thank you."

She gave a shrug and returned to her file. I took that as my cue to leave.

---

As I walked back across campus, I felt a sense of relief.

I hadn’t been ambushed by Regina. I hadn’t been cornered or questioned. It was just... simple.

I reached the dorm building and took the elevator straight to the third floor.

As soon as I walked into my dorm room, my gaze fell on Juniper, who was setting up a chessboard.

But just then, all their attention turned to me.

"You came back on time," Cambria noted, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

"Yeah," I said, walking over to my bed. "I met the assistant. She simply asked me for the reason for my availability. I told her, and she noted it down before asking me to leave."

Nari glanced at me with a proud look. "See, I told you that you wouldn’t meet the members."

And she had been right.